Valve Adjusts Deadlock's Course Amid Online Setback

Deadlock, Valve's MOBA-shooter, has seen a significant player decline, with peak online counts now hovering around 18,000-20,000, a far cry from its initial peak exceeding 170,000. In response to this, Valve has announced a strategic shift in its development approach.

The previously bi-weekly update schedule is being scrapped in favor of a more flexible system. Major updates will now be released on an as-needed basis, allowing developers more time to implement thorough changes and ensure stability. While the timeline for major patches is now fluid, developers assure players that hotfixes will continue to address urgent issues promptly.

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This change stems from the realization that the previous two-week cycle didn't allow sufficient time for comprehensive testing and implementation. The developers believe this revised strategy will ultimately lead to more substantial and polished updates.

Despite the player drop-off, Valve maintains that Deadlock is not in jeopardy. The game is still in early access, with no official release date set. The slower development pace is likely also influenced by Valve's focus on other projects, potentially including the rumored new Half-Life game.

Valve's approach prioritizes quality over speed, believing that a polished product will ultimately attract and retain players organically. This strategy mirrors the evolution of Dota 2, which also transitioned to a less frequent, more substantial update schedule over time. Therefore, the change in Deadlock's development cycle shouldn't be interpreted as a negative sign.